NSK develops energy-saving bearings for high-efficiency motors

NSK has developed energy-saving bearings for high-efficiency motors that halve the friction loss of rolling bearings used in conventional products. The new bearings contribute to a reduction of electric power consumption by these high-efficiency motors. Reduced bearing friction loss means bearings operate at lower temperatures, which increases the reliability of motors and other devices to which they are fitted.

20/01/2012 09:16:25

Reducing CO2 emissions and saving energy have become increasingly important in
recent years as global warming countermeasures. Motors account for 75% of industrial power consumption and soefficiency regulations for motors are in place around the world. In 2008, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created global standards for motor efficiency.

Nearly 90% of motor efficiency issues are caused by iron loss, copper loss, circuit loss, and windage loss, whereas mechanical loss related to bearing friction accounts for only about 10%. In the coming years, as the efficiency level for motors progresses to IE3* and IE4*, the demand for bearings with low friction loss will increase.

These products conform not only to JIS motor efficiency standards, but also to the extremely demanding IE3 and IE4 efficiency standards of the IEC.

*IE3, IE4: Efficiency levels set by the IEC. IE1 (standard efficiency), IE2 (high efficiency), IE3 (premium efficiency), IE4 (super premium efficiency).